Q&A: UH signee, LB Tyler McCloskey

Memorial's Tyler McCloskey is one of four quarterbacks to sign with UH, although he will make the switch to linebacker for the Cougars. (Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle)

Tyler McCloskey, Memorial LB

How ready were you for this moment?

It seemed – a couple months ago – like something that would never really come. But now it’s actually becoming a reality and I’m excited about it.

How was the process for you?

It’s been a real interesting process for me, trying to play linebacker and going from quarterback. It’s been an up-and-down rollercoaster process, but it’s fine. I’m happy it’s over and ready to move on to actually playing instead of it being a dream. I’m ready to make it a reality.

Did you grow up linebacker or quarterback?

I played linebacker my whole life, all through little league football to my sophomore year on varsity and junior year on varsity.

So you’re obviously fine with linebacker at the next level?

Absolutely – that’s what I wanted to play. I think my skill set fits me best there so I should be alright.

Does playing quarterback help any moving forward?

It can’t hurt. I know what offenses are trying to do. I know the gameplans and where the holes are in a defense. I know what a quarterback looks at when he’s playing against a linebacker – what he’s trying to do to them. So I can take the knowledge I have from one side and apply it to the other.

Did location play a factor?

It’s going to be great. My uncles live just down the road and they’ll be at every game. My grandparents are close and they’ll be at every game.
My dad six brothers and sisters. My mom has three sisters, so I have a big family and they all come to everything. It’s going to be great.

Was your plan to play this close?

The plan was to play DI football at a high level and that’s what this is. It being this close is definitely a perk.

Did you grow up a UH fan?

I have a friend whose granddad is Bill Yoeman – the former head coach. So I used to go to a bunch of games with him, so I kind of knew a good bit about them and I always kept up with them since they are the hometown team.

How about playing in a new stadium?

And getting able to play in Reliant next year. I’ll be the first one to play in that new stadium on campus, so it’s the best of both worlds.